Mosiah 18 and Ground Hog Day: Teaching A Gospel Lesson

At first glance, Mosiah 18 and the 1993 movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray seem to have nothing in common. One is about making covenants at the Waters of Mormon, and the other is a comedy about a man who keeps reliving the same day. But both actually teach valuable gospel lessons about repentance, becoming a new person, and learning to love others intentionally.

In Mosiah 18, Alma “did teach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord” (Mosiah 18:7). The main point is not just to admit mistakes, but to turn to Christ and begin a new life.

Phil in Groundhog Day starts out selfish, sarcastic, and distant from others. At first, living the same day again and again does not help him change; he just repeats the same empty routines. This is similar to what happens when we get stuck in sin or bad habits: time goes by, but we do not really grow. Real change starts when Phil stops trying to control everything and begins working to become a better person. That is what repentance is—not just dealing with the results of our actions, but changing our hearts.

Alma describes baptism as joining “the fold of God” and being “called his people” (Mosiah 18:8). Baptism is more than just a symbol; it is a choice to belong to God and live that way. Alma calls it “a covenant… that ye will serve [the Lord] and keep his commandments” (Mosiah 18:10).

Phil’s endless loop gives him unlimited chances, but real change happens when he stops acting like everything is about him. He starts living as if other people matter. In a way, he chooses a new identity, not as the main character, but as a servant and a friend. That is what covenant discipleship does: it changes who you are becoming.

Mosiah 18 might be the best example of “community discipleship” in scripture. Alma says covenant people are “willing to bear one another’s burdens… willing to mourn with those that mourn… and comfort those that need comfort” (Mosiah 18:8–9). This is not just something extra; it is at the heart of discipleship.

That is what happens to Phil. He starts out using people or ignoring them. As the days repeat, he begins to notice what others need, like saving someone from choking, helping someone who is struggling, and being kind without expecting anything in return. He cannot solve every problem in town, but he becomes the kind of person who tries to help. That is what Mosiah 18 discipleship looks like: not just being nicer, but truly caring about others’ pain.

Alma talks about standing “as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places… even until death” (Mosiah 18:9). This matters because it includes everyday life, even the parts that feel repetitive or routine.

Phil’s challenge is the sameness of each day: the same song, the same weather, the same conversations. But this is where he learns the holiness of everyday life, like patience, humility, self-control, and service. In real discipleship, much of our growth happens during these “Groundhog Day” times, when nothing seems dramatic, but God is still teaching us.

After Alma invites them to make a covenant, “they clapped their hands for joy” (Mosiah 18:11). After baptism, they come out “rejoicing, being filled with the Spirit” (Mosiah 18:14). This joy is not random; it comes from giving yourself to God and joining His people.

Phil’s greatest happiness does not come from pleasure or control. It comes when he stops fighting reality and starts truly loving others. This is a key gospel idea: when you stop focusing only on yourself, your heart opens up.

If you ever feel stuck in your own “same day again” struggle, Mosiah 18 shows that Christ offers more than just a way to cope. He gives us a covenant path that renews us through repentance, service, and the Spirit. Keep going, keep trying, and stay close to the Church and the Savior. Often, it is during these repeated days that He does His best work in us.

Disclaimer: Gospel Comparisons